Mat Vancouver, Canada

Pilates mat teacher training is the perfect vehicle for learning the principles of the Pilates Method. It is affordable, easy to integrate into different settings, and a great way to introduce people to Pilates. At BASI we regard Pilates Mat Work as the “crown jewel” of Pilates.

The Mat Program provides a thorough education in the Pilates Mat Work and its infinite applications. It is also the perfect springboard to the Comprehensive Programs that are offered in the U.S. and globally. The Mat Program is often taught as a part of the Comprehensive Program and is the same curriculum for U.S. and international students.

This program is comprised of 24 hours of lecture, discussion, and exercise practice and exercise analysis divided into six modules.

Please review our Refund Policy before registering for a program (may not apply to Licensee territories).

Program schedule is subject to postponement or cancellation, based on student enrollment.

*All fees are in U.S. Dollars (may not apply to Licensee territories).

Program Schedule

Primary concepts covered include the 10 movement principles of the Pilates method, an overview of the pelvic region and Pilates breathing. A historical overview of Pilates is presented, plus the BASI® approach, and the importance of safety when teaching Pilates are discussed. Repertoire includes fundamental Mat. A one-hour mat class is taught.

Primary concepts covered include an anatomy and terminology overview: major bones, muscles, joints, bony landmarks and center of gravity. The importance and practice of cueing is discussed. Repertoire covered includes intermediate Mat exercises. A one hour mat class is taught.

Primary concepts covered include the BASI® system of movement analysis, exercise physiology, and aerobic/anaerobic exercise. The BASI® format of teaching is discussed and the Block System®, created by Rael Isacowitz, is introduced. Repertoire covered is intermediate Mat and Leg Weights. A one-hour mat class is taught.

Primary concepts covered are the principles of alignment and posture assessment. Discussion includes exercise as a tool for assessment. Repertoire covered is intermediate through advanced Mat. A one-hour mat class is taught.

Primary concepts covered are core strength and the relationship of the various muscle groups that make up the core with particular focus on the abdominals and the back extensors. Contraindications, effective exercises and the importance of understanding your client’s needs and body type are discussed. Also addressed are the role of the teacher and the importance of flow in a session. Repertoire covered is advanced Mat. A one-hour mat class is taught.

Primary concepts include an in-depth look into exercise adaptation and the use of assists and modifications. Lecture focuses on how to construct a complete and comprehensive program. Repertoire covered is advanced Mat and Magic Circle. A one-hour mat class is taught. Final Exam will be available online.

46 Reviews

The course was great and all encompassing, but because of the large population of dancers in my class I felt like it was not focused on teaching the general population... there was a lot of focus on the abilities of the dancers in the class.

I would have appreciated at least 1 or 2 more modules that focused on actually teaching, cueing, and leading a class in a group setting. The self teaching hours are great, but getting feedback along the way on how to structure a class and verbally lead it would have been beneficial. I also would appreciate more worksheets on how to structure a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level class in the block system. - a template to work from. The course was great and all encompassing, but because of the large population of dancers in my class I felt like it was not focused on teaching the general population... there was a lot of focus on the abilities of the dancers in the class.

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MonikaNovember 30, 2015

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

A cosy and friendly place, definitely liked training there!

First three modules presented in depth and well- taught, the last three were were shortened to just one day, as a result of which the modules were slipped through superficially, all theory was just read out of the manual and therefore I did not feel to benefit fully.

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KellySeptember 14, 2015

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Good

It should be clear to students how the course is divided for the mat students and for the foundation students. It wasn't clear to me.

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KellyMarch 23, 2015

11 of 13 people found this review helpful

Mat Program

Some of the didactic material may need revamped. Coming from a medical background the piece on &#34;disc&#34; clients seems to be slightly misunderstood in the text and presentation. Historically, physical therapists want to get the &#34;disc patient&#34; moving again and strong in TA and multifidus. The anatomy of the disc itself shows that it does not resist combined flexion AND rotation (since only 50% of it&#39;s fibers resist rotation in each direction and flexion is a loading position). Unless this is a severe herniation that is encroaching on a neural structure (that client most likely will not be coming to Pilates), movement in pain-free ranges is indicated. I wouldn&#39;t personally restrict instructors from avoiding all spinal flexion exercises and movements, in reality things that focus on TA and some spinal flexion (pelvic curl) would be great for these clients. Perhaps the didactic material could use a little sprucing up in that regard with some clinical research to support it.

The other feedback I have is perhaps spreading out the course into 3 blocks (Saturday/Sunday only) and focus on beginner/intermediate exercises first, intermediate/advanced second, advanced/master third. It was a lot on our bodies as students to jump into advanced and master level practice of exercises when (most of) our bodies weren&#39;t ready for that level. It became quite taxing and exhausting on the muscles, increasing risk of injury.

Overall, great course. I am very impressed with the details and anatomy that are presented. Basi holds high standards for their instructors and I think they are a great model of what a Pilates instructor program should be.

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DawnApril 10, 2017

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Thoroughly enjoyed the mat program! Both Katie and Carrie were fantastic at teaching the material, and making the class fun and interesting. They incorporated relevant life-examples from their own experiences to relay information about the material they were teaching us. Would be great to have even more time than we did, for the teachers to go through the poses with each student and help with corrections and questions. Their positive attitudes and humour were infectious!

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TimMarch 13, 2016

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

The text is nicely organized and does a good job providing instruction of the exercises.

The text is nicely organized and does a good job providing instruction of the exercises.The format of the course could be re-structured. The instructor reading to us from the book while we followed along, I feel, was time that could have been better spent by assigning the three to four pages as homework and then having active discussion about the reading after students have had time to reflect on the material presented. The instructor could then spend time highlighting those most important &#34;nuggets&#34; within the material and leading a discussion instead of reading to us.

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KimMay 9, 2016

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

...this was an amazing course and I am so glad I registered.

I would have liked to learn more modifications - my preference would have been to focus more on this than the Master moves. I will be more likely to be teaching the modifications than the Master moves to the general population. So possibly we may have needed a little more time. But otherwise, this was an amazing course and I am so glad I registered.

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LesleighSeptember 6, 2015

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I think it is a great course...

I think it is a great course, however I feel like it is a little rushed, I think people would benefit from maybe 2 or 3 more days too really fully grasp and understand each exercise. Of course you can take the time to do this yourself however it would be better to have a teacher there with you to make sure what your doing is correct.

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NicoleJune 22, 2015

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have enjoyed learning the BASI Method

The Mat program is a great course. I have enjoyed my time learning the BASI method. I do wish that we had one more weekend to learn the expert exercises since I do not have the strength to really practice them as well as I wish I could. Other than that, this is wonderful program and I am glad to be a part of it.

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JulieApril 3, 2017

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The mat course was very indepth and had a lot of information to help us! The faculty was great at demonstrating and teaching us proper techniques and cues. I loved the course I look forward to taking more in the future!

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RenataMarch 27, 2017

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I loved the course. It has opened my eyes to what Pilates really is and motivated me to keep on learning. It is a wonderful start of the journey to the world of Pilates and teaching ;)

I'd prefer, if module 3 and 4 on anatomy was more interactive. Slides and video clips would help us, students, to understand this technical theme much better.

Mariam Yanoussi took us through module 1 and 2 and it was super fun.

Natasha Eyber is a great inspiration and a wonderful host. Amazing teaching skills and so much of experience.

Thank you for accepting me into this programme ;)

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LeslieNovember 25, 2016

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I loved this course so much.

I loved the course so much. I personally love getting into the why of everything, so I would have loved even more anatomy and biomechanics, but I';m not sure that others would share that opinion. Overall, the course was excellent and concise.

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MandyApril 2, 2017

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Absolutely loved the course with a great teacher Tash and assistant Karen. So happy to be doing Basi Pilates and want to teach as many people as possible. You can't describe the feel good energy after a session you need to experience it - pilates is the way to go

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MariannaMarch 27, 2017

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

An excellent course, thoroughly and with clear and precise notions.

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GabrielleFebruary 21, 2016

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I think the course is a great introduction

I think the course is a great introduction to BASI. If I were to change it in any way, I would break the mat program into two parts- one that focuses on beginning and intermediate repertoire and prepares one to teach just beginning mat classes, and a second that focuses on advanced repertoire.

The course materials were concise and clear, though I would have liked a bit more depth in regard to progressions, modifications, and assists in most exercises, as well as &#39;common mistakes&#39;, or what the exercise might look like on your average client in addition to the models who are more flexible or strong than most.

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KristyAugust 12, 2013

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I feel like I made the right choice by choosing BASI to study Pilates.

I feel like I made the right choice by choosing BASI to study Pilates. I was surprisingly impressed by the overall experience. I learned a lot. I loved the teachers. The only thing I wish were different was the options of the courses. Having a full time career, I found it difficult to be able to commit to the Comprehensive Teaching Course, which is ultimately what I want to do. And as a wife and full time employee, I don&#39;t find the length of the course and the amount of observation and practice hours doable. I wish that you guys would break down the curriculum, like in Mat, and have different repertoire certifications for those of us with families and full time jobs. Other schools do offer this and I have been looking into that as an option instead, so that I can start working in this field and continue to work full time and take the training by bit. If these options were available, BASI would be my next certification choice.

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WalterMarch 26, 2017

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very interesting and helpful. I did a certification with together school but I think BASI is the best

wonderful atmosphere the highest level of exercises

This course was great inspiration for me with a lot of deep informations about pilates and excercises.

This course was great inspiration for me with a lot of deep informations about pilates and excercises. It is very good to know how far can the body go and how can you prevent injuries or can help others and yourself with problems. In my opinion it would by better to have one weekend more to train excercises and teaching.

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ErinMarch 21, 2016

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I loved the Mat Cour

I loved the Mat Course. Also I would like to add that Stella was very helpful each weekend and very welcoming.

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AnnelizeMarch 6, 2016

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The course content truly empowers a future instructor.

I've enjoyed the high standard and expectation on understanding anatomy as a foundation etc before just executing the moves. The course content truly empowers a future instructor.

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OliviaFebruary 26, 2016

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It was such a wonderful experience!! I am very satisfied with my Basi Mat Teacher Training Program!!

It was such a wonderful experience!! I am very satisfied with my Basi Mat Teacher Training Program!!

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MicheleJanuary 26, 2016

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall a great experience

Overall a great experience

A lot of information in a short time, I would prefer 2 more Moduls to deepen it

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MartaDecember 7, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I will definitely recommend this course!

I would definitely recommend this course.

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LauraNovember 29, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

More TIme

In general I would like a bit more time from the teachers to explain and put attention to the details, example: where the movements initiate, neutral position of the pelvis and spine, etc.

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KerrynSeptember 28, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutely love the BASI approach.

I absolutely love the BASI approach. I love the science behind every exercise as well as the outline of the course and resources available to help us succeed. You are all doing a great work. God bless you all...

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ReeveSeptember 14, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great content

Great content. Were able to understand the movements and its objectives and given all the knowledge to be able to teach pilates.

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KarienSeptember 5, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Loved every minute of the BASI Pilates course

Loved every minute of the Basi Pilates course, Very excited for my future in Basi Pilates

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AshleyAugust 17, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This course was challenging in the right areas and very informative all around

This course was challenging in the right areas and very informative all around. I can't wait to put my knowledge to use!

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PhythianAugust 5, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have already recommended the course to two people

I have already recommended the BASI course to two people!I feel totally inspired in my pilates teaching and love every minute of it!

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JenniferJuly 6, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I loved every aspect of this course.

I loved every aspect of this course. I would have loved to do the Comprehensive course but financially it was too much at this time. Hopefully, in the future I will be able to complete that as well.

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hendriceJuly 5, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Handbook is easy to understand

the handbook is easy to understand

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ZdenkaJune 3, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mat Program

This was my best investment related to money and time. I&#39;m very satisfied.

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MariaApril 21, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The mat course is challenging and very well-framed

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AgnieszkaMarch 29, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mat Program Prato

Another problem is the language because we learn and practice in Poland and exam should be translated. There were fears that the practical exam will also be in English, which would not work, because we haven&#39;t yet lead our lessons activities here in English.

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RebeccaMarch 23, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mat Program

Materials are very organized. It was was easy to study and focus on the important material without having to re-type material to make it more sequential.

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KristenMarch 22, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the course so far has been great. I wish there were more options for the practical.

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angelicaJanuary 31, 2015

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ok

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LizDecember 17, 2014

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mat Program

I certainly feel the course has taken me to another level of Pilates and has motivated me to push my knowledge/practice up and onwards!

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NoyuriDecember 14, 2014

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had great times. I was a little disappointed that there was some misinformation about the schedule of the course.

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DeaNovember 20, 2014

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Well doneHe could give me very simple explanation to make me understand...very active person and willing to re-explain if I didn't get it.

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TracieSeptember 30, 2013

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This course is great.

This course is great and at this point I feel I would have liked a bit more time each day for the mat training portion to allow for more group support and prep for the written exam as well as more practice together in the classroom.

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SherrySeptember 29, 2013

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am very excited about what I have learned.

I am very excited about what I have learned and appreciate the professionalism of my instructors as well as staff I have talked to on the phone. The expectations are high with very respectful time to master the BASI Pilates method. It is wonderful how the program is ever evolving. Thank you so much.

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DouglasAugust 1, 2013

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Structured very well.

Structured very well, books and study guides organized and helpful. Grateful for a practice test after Module 4.